Love, love, love

Notice I didn’t say like.

Our command, our marching orders are to love. Not because it’s easy, or even fun, but that’s the Christian ethic. Sometimes we have to love people we may not even like very much. We are not told to revolt, rebelling against the rightfully, God established government. Neither are we to collaborate, trying to reach some weak-kneed compromise. And don’t even think about withdrawing, if Jesus wouldn’t pray that we be taken out of the world, then why would we ever think that’s the best answer.

I am still hearing all kinds of goofy talk about revolting against the authorities in place. Not sure what part of Paul instructing the early Christians to submit to the magistrate some people are thinking does not apply to them. Lets be honest any kind of “persecution” you or I face today as a result of our Christianity is little more than a pinch compared to what the early church went thru. I don’t know about you but I have not heard of a single Christian in America being used as a living torch for an executive BBQ. No reports that I am aware of a circus lion noshing on anyone for claiming the name of Christ. So let’s get real about persecution. Let me be blunt and probably irritate more than a few, but the Church in America should be so lucky as to come under real persecution. Before you rant go look at what is happening to the church in China.

Love isn’t compromise

The another option is to collaborate. I know some would say let’s find the common ground and work on that. Now I’m not saying be antagonistic for the sake of argument. But what is going on when a church leader is ignoring the Christian ethic we are commanded, not a suggestion by the way, to tell and show the truth. For example what the heck is the snuggling up to Hinduism, Buddhism, or some other ism because there is 10-15% similarity. Are you really going to try to convince me, or worse yourself that God is going to someday in the future tell you that since you had good intentions that is good enough? I would love you to show me where you read that in the Bible.

Finally, disappearing into the mountains in Montana with freeze-dried food and a handful of guns isn’t the answer either. If Jesus wouldn’t pray for his disciples to be taken out of the world, what makes you think your special? What’s more the world needs you, your salt, your light. You have an obligation, a duty to show people Jesus, in word and in deed. If you’re not then what value does your “Faith” really have?

Not easy doesn’t mean hard.

What the heck made you think it was going to be? Maybe someone told you when you came to Christ the suffering would be over. “Just come to Jesus and it’s all going to be rainbows and unicorns.” I hope not, but if they did I’m sorry. It’s not easy, but compared to the alternative what else are you going to do? Being a Christian is not for the faint of heart. On the upside the one who runs the show has said he will be there no matter what happens.